Festive Cinema Nights - December
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 136
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Christmas
Romsey
Hampshire's largest festive light trail returns this Christmas as the award-winning Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland.
Festival
HAVENSTREET
Head to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Autumn beer festival for a celebration of beer and steam.
Choose from a huge selection of real ales, there are even a few ciders for those with a sweeter tooth.
You’ll have the opportunity to try…
Run / Rally
Portsmouth
The world's premier 10-mile event returns to Southsea in October 2026.
Walking
Islandwide
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.
Special Events
Whitchurch
Celebrating Heritage Crafts, Creativity and the Colours of Autumn. Over three days, the historic Mill will be transformed with seasonal displays, harvest-inspired decorations and showcases of traditional craftsmanship.
Festival
Ovington, Alresford
A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…
Christmas
Brockenhurst
Begin the countdown to Christmas with New Forest chocolatier Kerry Witt as you create your own handcrafted chocolate advent calendar at Careys Manor Hotel
Free Event
Basingstoke
Head to Basingstoke, Hampshire this October half term for a host of free fun activities and events for kids from 3 - 13 to enjoy.
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re)discovering Winchester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Christmas
Cowes
The Northwood House Christmas Fair returns on Saturday 28 November and Sunday 29 November 2026 on Isle of Wight. There is a VIP Preview Night on Friday 27 November.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ampfield, Romsey
Join Sir Sludge on the Sir Harold Hillier spooktacular garden family trail and help restore order in the Land of Decay. Solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and meet some delightfully dreadful characters along the way!
Free Event
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Pride returns to Southsea on 12 June 2027, with live entertainment, great music and a welcoming atmosphere on Castle Field.
Participatory Event
Farnham
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Alice Holt! Get glowing, Go Ape at Night
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Thursday November 26 – Saturday 28 | Sunday November 29
3:30pm-7:30pm | 11:00am-3:00pm
Enjoy the run up to Christmas with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's delightful, festive shopping experience. Discover beautiful gifts for your loved ones while…
Countryside
New Forest
Each autumn, the New Forest becomes home to an unusual sight as pigs are released to wander among the woodland and heathland during pannage season.
Christmas
Brockenhurst
There's something wonderfully nostalgic about the simple act of creating at Christmas time. Join our Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Careys Manor Hotel and embrace the spirit of the festive season.
Fireworks
YARMOUTH
Head to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, for the annual 5 November 2026 Firework Display!
School Holidays
Sandown
Save money this October half term at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight with a online 'Buy one child ticket, Get one free offer'
Festival
Newport
The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.
Food
Whiteley
Join us at Parson's Collar to create your own pizza with your favourite toppings, cooked in our pizza oven.
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